What to ask, and why
How do I avoid paying for a whole-house treatment when one room would do?
The scope should follow how far the odor spread. Ask to see why other rooms or the HVAC are included.
Will my house smell like chemicals afterward?
It shouldn't. Ask that no fragrance be used, and get re-entry and ventilation guidance before moving back in.
We cook a lot. Will the smell just come back?
New cooking odor will build up over time; running the range hood and changing filters slows that. Treatment removes what's accumulated.
Could a sudden bad smell be an animal in the wall?
Yes. A sweet, rotten smell that appears suddenly often points there, and the source should be found first.
How long are we out of the house?
Room treatments may not require leaving; whole-house treatments usually do for a period. Get the timing before scheduling.